I figured it would be nice to introduce ourselves if we're going to be tearing apart each others work, at least from a photography background point...

I'm Ben Jacobsen.
I'm ~30 years old.
I have a BFA:Photography from Montana State University.
What does that all mean exactly? I don't put anything into the fact I have a "photo degree" except that it was the only was for me to get into the photo classes I wanted to take (you had to be a major). But what it does mean is I spent ~3 years of my like in class rooms staring at photos. We had to critique all our work, and everyone else's work on a daily basis. Regardless of what that does to my own photography, it's made me a pretty good critiquer (hey, I can even make words up )... Sometimes I might come off as an absolute *******, and I apologize for that here and now. I try to add my $.02 to any thread here even if I don't agree with what other have said. I try to be as constructive as I can, but sometimes a "knee jerk" reaction will happen and it will be very rude. I'm sorry for that, but I'm just trying to help.

Just try to put yourself in the normal critique setting I know:
*Small conference room with a table, ~20 chairs, ~15 "students"/"artists", 1 professor.
*Someone puts up their project assignment on the rails at the end of the room.
*We all walk by it so we can check for details and whatnot.
*We all sit back down, the photographer might say something about their shots.
*Everyone starts making comments. Good, bad, whatever. One word answers are OK, but you need to be prepared to back it up... Sometimes people will say a one work comment and everyone agrees and jumps on that route. Could be "awesome" could be "it's crap"... Doesn't matter as long as you can back it up...
*Discussions/critiques would last from anywhere from 1 minute to and hour+ for one person's assignment. It's a lot of fun once you get into the swing of it... But for those that haven't done it before, it can be pretty stressful and you might feel like your photography isn't good enough to participate... Don't be that guy. Post stuff, and listen to what we have to say...

For those that post critiques, see Scott's rules above. Be nice about it. Be positive/constructive. But BE HONEST. If you post an image and don't understand what someone's critique/comment means, or you think they're wrong, CALL THEM OUT. This will generate great discussions and we'll all be better photographer for it. But don't give up or get discouraged. The problem with this being an internet forum critique is you can't get the person's feelings so sometime we will go overboard and feeling might get hurt. That's why it's so important to keep it constructive and positive unless you really feel you know the OP.

If you would like me to PM you a critique, post that too, or PM me a link. I might not get to it right away, but I will get to it eventually.

And most importantly, HAVE FUN, and KEEP SHOOTING & SHARING!

Im Matt Bailly or Subimatt
I am 24, about to be 25.
I have a degree in US History and work in IT, therefore all my credentials are out of whack from the start.
I love photography, I shoot mostly people as I consider myself a Wedding Photographer. I do my dabbling in other fields for my personal growth and pleasure. I try my best to be sensitive when I critique to help promote growth and understanding. If I come across mean for any reason I apologize as it is not my intent. I have had my fair share of hurtful comments on my photographs to understand what will help to what will hurt a photographer. But I reiterate, that if anything I say comes off hurtful, I apologize as it is not my intent.

Photography is Art
-With that being said, Not everyone is going to like it. Some people will love what you do, some will not. Everyone sees things in a certain way and prefer different combinations, whether its colors, contrast, composition... Critiquing is to help improve yourself as a photographer and expand your knowledge. Try something different, you may be surprised with what you get!

My name is Scott.
I'm 21 years old and I have a degree in nature.

Well, not really, I'm in school for Mechanical Engineering. But I'm a landscape and nature photographer. I've spent literally hundreds of nights camping outside over the course of my life, probably 60 in the last year. With that said, I've seen a lot of photography from all different mediums and specializations. On any shot, I can (and will!) give basic critique and help with the basics of photography, but if you post a landscape, I can really help you out.

In the field of landscape photography, I've been formally recognized in national contests. Won several smaller ones. I've done most of the photography for an annual magazine twice and been published a handful of times. I will be speaking on the topic of landscape photography at a local photography association meeting in March.

I'll critique you and be honest, just like I'd appreciate from you. I won't make stuff up and I also try to point out the positives along with any negatives. The critique section is here to make you a better photographer, so keep that in mind when reading the critiques, especially if you're a beginner.

- Scott

My intro is quicker.

I'm Jay, and I take pictures. I have the unique ability to decided if I like or dislike pictures, just by looking at them. I promise to be honest and not overly harsh, and appreciate the same.

My technical background is a couple of college art classes with similar critiques to Ben's, but they were not photo specific, more 2-D design type stuff.

I'm Daniel Glaser, 26 years of age, virgo.

I have an eye for a good photo, my dad was a contributing photog for a few Porsche magazines, if I really want to get tech, I'll ask him. I'm super obsessive about the pictures I take and hope my opinion will help others excel at the art we all love.

I feel like we're at an AA meeting or something...

Hi, My name is Mark, I'm 28 years old, and I have only about 2 years of serious photography background. I have been the primary photographer for a wedding (my brother-in-law, and he and his bride were ecstatic), and I have done a few paid portrait sessions for money. I am primarily a candid portrait/street photography/people shooter, but I really enjoy landscapes and urban decay type photography to balance all the people out.

I am a relative n00b to serious photography and critique. My background is in English, creative writing, and restaurant management. From my restaurant work, I feel like I have learned how to criticize constructively. This site is helping me develop the vocabulary of critique for photography. I did spend my four years of college workshopping short stories, however, so do have some background in the process, just with a different medium. Workshopping stories is very similar to what Ben has described for photos, and the same sorts of stuff come up.

I apologize in advance if my critiques seem incomplete--sometimes I know what's not quite right with a photo, but don't always know how to articulate it. But I keep trying so that I can develop that vocabulary.

Because I have no formal training in photography, and it has only recently become such a passion/obsession for me, I try to post up photos as my credentials. I do think I have an eye for photography, and maybe I am one of the examples of how this site can help improve a photographer. I have learned a lot about what I want to do photography-wise by posting here and looking at other people's photos. I will admit, however, that I have learned the most about photography from going out and taking pictures!!!!! And having fun!! I can't stress the importance of getting out and shooting as much as possible. Eventually, you will start to find the elements you like/are good at and hone those.

And Go!

M

I'm Brian Wright. (You might know me as midwayman from Nasioc)

Anyhow, I have a BS (yah a BS) in fine and applied arts from the University of Oregon. I took about a year of photography back in school along with all the other art subjects that I did. I'm also a professional animator now.

I've been interested in photography for a long time, but have been out of the "scene" for awhile. You'll notice most of my technical background is from film based black and white, with old manual cameras. I'm somewhat up on the digital thing, but not so much on digital SLR's yet. My current obsession is underwater photography.

Sorry if I have tendency to call out the negative without mentioning the positive. Its something I work on, but I'm not trying to be mean.

im meg robinson
21
im in my first year at New England School of Photography
and went to Salve Regina for two years majoring in art or whatever, haha, including photography and stuff.


its easier for me to hear criticism then praise.

my name is ben shew 24

i like long walks on the beach... oh nevermind wrong forum.

i have been into "art" all my life i started drawing and even went to college for graphic arts for a year. didn't like it so i dropped out. (im now trying to figure out what i want to go back for). i also write and record music. ive always been fascinated with automotive photography looking through all the magazines over the years. figured i could do the same thing so i borrowed my moms point and shoot and i sucked. so i got a better camera in 05 and 6 months later bought a dslr. im now addicted. anyway i love the artistic side but especially love the technical side of how its all done and made. oh and im an a-hole but i'll try to be nice in here.

Dan – 31

I have a Criminal Justice Bachelors (No art background at all); I was in the Army for 10 years, got hurt and medically separated. Now I’m going back to school.

I just recently really got in to photography and have no clue what I’m doing. So if I tell you it’s a “good picture” you are getting just an “average joe” opinion.

my name is ken gilbert. 33 years old, happily married for 5, 2.5yr old daughter. i like taking pictures of the two lovely women in my life--especially my wife kristen.

i have a bachelor's of arts in english. just bought a house in lincoln, ri, and work at rhode island college in the network and telecommunications department.

for various reasons i've become a lot better at photoshop over the last few years and can probably answer some questions relating to that, or at least share techniques i've adopted. i've dabbled off and on in photography for at least 15 years. i feel there are equal parts art and science that go into a great picture.

I'm Brian. I'm 15 years old. I'm a sophomore in high school, and I started photography about nine months ago with the 300D, lenses, and flash my grandpa gave me. Photography's fun since I know i can somewhat capture a scene that i couldn't have without the knowledge that i have acquired in the past few months.

Josh - 24 years old.

Engineering student with a cert in nanofabrication. My friends have cameras and that is how I got my interest into photography. I have been on many travel vacations and have been to 47 of the 50 US states. Most of the vacations were national parks and other assorted hiking/landscape areas. I have been to national parks more times than I have went to the beach. My camera is currently a Samsung Sync and I hope to change that soon. I am not good at critiquing and won't add much to the threads other than some very informative posts like "Awesome!" and "I like that!!".

--Todd Entrikin, 26 yrs old

started doing photography in high school, setup my own darkroom after highschool. Switched to digital. I shoot a wide variety of stuff, but I enjoy shooting nature & wildlife the most. I do weddings and portraits as well. I probably won't give very in depth critiques, but I will try to help out where I can.

Carl - soon to be 25 years old

Been interested in photography since early high school. Shot film for a while including 35mm, medium and large formats. Scanned most of it during college and switched to digital fully my senior year with a 1D MK II. Do mostly landscapes, architecture and some abstracts. I go through phases of being in to it and feeling really down on my work. Currently I can't find satisfaction with most of what I shoot, and don't have as much time as I'd like to shoot. Have taught and assisted in photo classes so I will provide as much critique as possible when I have time.

Dave -- 29 years old

I have no formal or informal training in photography, though I did take "appreciation of photography" in college for whatever that's worth. I am a mechanical engineer that's always been interested in photography, and recently decided to give it a try. Most of my stuff turns out to look like snapshots, but I'm trying to get better.

Tim - 27 Years old

I am part time artist :P full time Draftsmen.
I took several art classes ever since I could pick up a brush. I draw and paint as my main talent but in highschool found a love for photography. I took a class in Black and White with a 35mm and have a handful of photography majors as friends who have given me tips over time. I am very new to digital photography only having my camera for about 7-8 months now. As far as critiques I very much understand the process as I was trained to do so with paintings and while my photography terms will be weak my suggestions will probably be more about colors and lighting.

looking forward to making suggestions and also getting feedback on my own work.

jeez, i feel like the old fart around here!

Kiera/Kiki - 25

Absolute photography n00b! I've always loved photography and have admired others' work always wishing my pictures could look like theirs. I've taken hundreds upon hundreds of snapshots with P&S's over the years. Very new to the SLR group.

As far as critiques go, I know what I like and don't like and will tend to share that freely. However I may not speak up often because a lot of the ol' pros around here have already beaten me to the punch. Please feel free to take my critiques with a very large grain of salt as I have no idea what I'm talking about.

-K

Hello,
My Name is Shawn I am 28, single, extremely good looking and super important. Some would say I am a really big deal.
Ok, the truth, I have a sense of humor and am really sarcastic.
Always being artistic and not following that into a career path led to a creative void so I bought a DSLR.
I have been taking photos for about two years and in the past 12 months I have started to take "good" photographs.
I am self taught. I started by reading a couple books, literally like 2 and made most of my advancements from posting on a couple online forums where the users were extremely honest. Sometimes it angered me, but I never let it bother me, I took the advice and tried and tried and tried to apply it until I got it right.
You can expect me to be honest with my critiques and expect the same in return.

Hi my name is eric and I'm a photoholic. The last time I took a picture was an hour ago. I shoot mostly landscapes, buildings, etc. I'm not very good at taking pictures of people, but I'd like to learn.

As far as critiques go, please critique away. I can't get any better without learning what I've done wrong/incorrect/etc.

My name is RJ, 28, born in Seattle, live in LA, working in film/tv production.

I like photography, but I'd call it more of a side hobby. I still consider myself a total n00b learning everything there is to know. All I have right now is a Leica D-Lux 3. It fits my needs though since it's a small camera that allows me the flexibility of shooting RAW since I like to play around in Photoshop a lot. I hang out with a bunch of car guys, which is probably why the majority of my photos are of cars. Also, I'm an extreme n00b in that area too as I am the farthest thing from being mechanically inclined.

If I'm critiquing you, don't take it personally. Most likely I'm just rambling.

I'm Reed (surprise, surprise), 19 years old, a sophomore in college. I'm working on a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering at NCSU. I've been really interested in photography for a little over two years now, though I've only had a DSLR for a little over a year.

I took a photography class in my junior year of high school where we worked primarily in 35mm black and white film. We touched a little on digital, but mostly with point and shoots and very simple photoshop techniques. My primary interest is nature and wildlife photography, mostly shooting what's available to me. This often ends up being bug macros and common birds, but given the chance I jump on landscape and wildlife shots. I think the thing that draws me to these kinds of shots is the idea of photographing things people don't usually notice, bringing it back to their attention. From time to time I will shoot people as well, but mostly at family gatherings, or random people from a distance.

When I critique people, I usually stick to technical aspects such as exposure, contrast, sharpness, etc. At times I will venture into the realm of the mood of the shot. I always welcome criticism on my shots as I know I can always improve.

That's all I can really think of to put here at the moment,
Reed

HI!

My name is Kat Flowers. Im 21. I dont have any actual history in photography. Ive always loved certain types of pictures (ex. structural, nude). I'm currently pursuing a degree in Nursing. I took a few years off after high school and now I regret it. I would actually love to get my CRNA.

My husband and I bought our Canon Rebel XTi in May 2007 in hopes of taking preggy shots... but things took an unexpected turn. We still use and play with our camera all the time. Trying to learn new techniques and have fun with it.

Hi All My name is Robbie ( Robbieshonda on Nasioc& Honda-tech)
I have been in he U.S. Army for almost 10 years I got out when I got PWND by 2, 155mm artilery rounds IEDs in Iraq ( Airborne Infantry FTW!) I've always wanted to be a combat camera man but I decided I'd rather jump out of planes and kill people instead.

I currently have 2 Associates Degrees, 1 for Automotive System Technology, The other for Art from Indiana State Uni. I'm Currently doing Advertising and Graphic Design Degree, and freelance Photojournalism.
I havent had any formal training my wife thinks Ive already spent too much on camera gear. But I need more. I Guess Im mainly do Automotive Photography, auto-x track, drag stip car shows, ect. and whatever I really like..closeups on mechanical objects.

I've been told I have an eye for composition But I lack skill haha
I'll think of more Later

My name is Armin H. Ausejo, and I go by "Verdugo" on just about every Subaru forum. I've always loved taking photos, but never really got serious about it until I was hired on by Subiesport Magazine to do simple event photography for them. Things just kind of took off from that point back in 2004, which leads me to where I am today. Up until today, I have never taken a formal photography class, just learned from online tutorials and close photographer friends, like Josh Mackey. In a nutshell...

BA in Communications from the University of Washington, 2001

Master of Communications in Digital Media from the University of Washington, 2006

Vice President of Marketing for World One Performance

Style Editor and Photographer for Subiesport Magazine

Freelance Photographer for Modified Mag, Mazdasport Magazine, TunerZine.com, and hopefully soon Import Tuner Magazine

More info can be found here: http://www.arminausejo.com/about.html


I firmly believe in constructive criticism, and will only give it if asked to do so, which I guess is what this critique forum is for This is why you'll rarely see me critiquing anyone's work on NASIOC.

I can't believe I never saw this thread.

My name is Ben, I'm 27 years old.

I have my Associates in Applied Science from a local community college, A+ Certification, MCSA, MCSE, Adobe Systems, Former Microsoft Solutions Provider (cira 1999-2003) Free MS Software FTW!!!, also a Film major from the New York Film Academy 2002-2004.

I've been a semi-pro Videographer for about 8-9 years now. Owned and operated my own Video Production Company for 6. I've worked as Co-Associated producer on a few INDIE's, many short films, tons of weddings and a few side contracts here and there, e.i. GGW. I sit on the "Board" for the Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival as a judge and community events coordinator.

I've always had an interest in photog.. something about the "a picture is worth a million words" kinda stuck with my creative senses. So, now I own some gear, it's been a really rough beginning, but I think I'm making technical inprovements.

Websites that I visit/Post on
NASIOC - TXIC - Beezwax - Banned....
www.htown-dsm.com - Beezwax - Moderator and Sponsor
POTN - Beezwax
DSMtalk.com - Beezwax
DSMtuners.com - Beezwax

Originally Posted by I Simonius

Looks like the place to say Hi...

Hi

Another old phart here - I'm 55
Getting back into it all but it's all new and digital, still that's a good thing in my book, I don't need nasty chemicals any more, I've got photoshop!

Erm.. what's this button do..?

Welcome!

I guess I should jump in here.

My name is Judah
30 years old
Father of 3

I don't have really any "formal" photography experience to speak of. My dad was big into photography growing up and I shot with him quite a bit growing up but nothing major. I started getting serious into photography about 3 or 4 years ago. I'm still learning a ton as I generally don't have a lot of time to shoot or a lot of available subjects. I prefer to shoot people over everything else. Not much else to say, except maybe that I hope to continue to learn here and develop myself as a quality photographer.

WOW, can't believe I missed this thread.

Anyhoo, about myself. My name is Mike DeMaria, I'm an Army brat, single with an amazing girlfriend who currently lives in Minnesota. I work as a military contractor on Ft. Leavenworth, KS; been doing this for the past 7 years. And I just graduated from Park University with a degree in Management/Marketing, finally!

I've loved photography since I was a kid and my parents bought be my first camera while stationed in Germany. Got out of it for way too long and two years ago I became serious about it - although my desire to take pictures is greatly influenced by my moods and what's going on in my life; which is why I have not been taking pictures lately. I'm open to friendly and helpful critiques and will offer the best advice I can about a picture.

But when I am in the right mood I love taking pictures of landscapes, my cats and the people in my life, and my cars. I would like to start taking more pictures of people "out" at like bars, or when I'm playing poker, but I always chicken out. Basically I'm a ***** and figure I'd just end up pissing people off. Any thoughts on getting over this?

My main passion has always been home theater and two channel; actually I'm a home theater freak! If anybody wants to ask me any questions feel free to PM me and I'll do the best I can to help you out. My other hobbies/passions are cars and video games.

I managed to miss this thread as well, so here's the 411..

My name is Greg Valinoti. I'm 20 years old and currently attending Syracuse University to study mechanical engineering, although that's likely to change in the near future. I live in central NJ when not at school. My parents are divorced and both have remarried to people with kids from their past marriage, so I have a rather large family who are all great, as well as 3 dogs and a cat between them all.

I got into photography in high school. I took a course for 2 years where we shot both film and digital, so I have some experience with developing film and printing from negatives, although it's not something I was fond of.

I've been using photoshop for as long as I can remember, probably since PS 2.0 IIRC, so I guess I had a step up from the beginning considering I already have a lot of knowledge about the program although I'm always still learning new things about what it can do.

I've had my XTi for about a year now. I shoot anything that catches my eye really, although my passion for cars leaves me gravitating towards automotive photography. I'm excited about the warm weather so I can get out to some motorsport events with the camera for the first time.

I've still got a lot to learn as far as photography goes, but I have an artistic eye and am a very creative person by nature, so I tend to think of pictures in that regard as opposed to the technical aspects.

If you want to know anything else just ask

I'm French Brown (27).

I have absolutely NO formal photography training. I've taught myself how to take pictures by just using cameras.

I have an undergraduate degree in Chemisty, and Juris Doctorate (lawyer).

My first digital was a Sony Mavica Floppy Drive camera. It took a whopping 640x480 resolution. I toured with it around Europe and really got into taking pictures. I found my self straying away from the more touristy photos for the "artsy" compositions.

Next I had an Olympus C-8080WZ. By far the best P&S I've ever shot with. 8MP, good zoom, good size and feel. Great colors! I forced myself to use Av mode and really learn how apature, shutter, and ISO all combine to make an image.

Fast forward to my first dSLR, the Canon 450D / Rebel XSi. I got this camera about a month ago and I'm in love. I've taken over 5,000 shots in just over the first month.

As for my critiques, I'll tell it like I see it. I understand concepts like the rule of thirds, etc., but without formal training I look at a photo to see if it is appealing to my eye.

I'll try to be easy in my critiques, just know any suggestion I give is to help improve your photos in the future, not to criticize them now.

Hello all, I am Saad, 21 years young.

Up till 6 months ago, I was studying electrical engineering, then switched over to do my BBA, and hopefully get into a MBA/Law graduate program. If I don't, my family will disown me :S.

As for photography, I've always been interested in it ever since I got my first P&S Pentax. It had one of the best macros ever, and I started taking hundred of pictures with it. Unfortunately, it broke last year, and I lost interest in taking pictures. Caitlyn reintroduced me in photography, and after reading up on DSLRs, I got interested again and bought a Rebel XTi. It's been 2 and a half months so far, and I've taken roughly 4500 pictures, bought a few lenses (and returned a couple), and overall having a lot of fun.

I like taking pictures of everything, but at the moment, focussing on landscapes and portraits. I've gotten some requests to shoot at events, but nothing yet has come out of that.

And I have an awesome boss who gives me a lot of tips, and volunteered to lend me some of his stuff (lens, flash, etc).

I try to critique everyone's posts, sometimes I miss a couple, so my apologizes in advance. Hopefully I can give you some good tips. And I appreciate everyones critiques on my pictures as well.

----

Wow, it's been a year and a half already!

Well, I'm back in Electrical Engineering for school, funny how that happened, but I'm happy with the decision, even though it requires me to stay in school longer.

I've started to photograph weddings and other stuff, right now it's a part time gig, aiming to get it full time down the road. It's something I've loved doing. Oddly enough, my boss who was once mentoring me has now come to me for photography advice.

See you in another 18 months!